DNA by Dennis Kelly
This play sparked intense discussion with its target audience of young adults when it first erupted onto the stage in 2008. Its core, raw themes of self and group identity, bullying, cruelty and responsibility made it quickly, in true Grimm Tales sense, a shocking ‘story of our times’. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to invite Wiltshire based company Quirky Bird to Sidcot to perform the play in the Drama Studio at school in late January.
The play is set in an indeterminate place and time, though clearly contemporary in speech and reference. The spirit of place is less important than the intensity of the characters. The power struggles within the group of teenagers and the volatility of certain characters create plenty of dramatic tension.
Sidcot Upper Fourth student Mia Hann starred as the youngest character in the show and has performed with Quirky Bird for the last three years. Mia aims to progess her acting to protraying older characters and has found it a very exciting experience working with renowned Director Anna Friend.
She says: "Learning and acting in the play has been tricky, but very worth it. I have developed my own acting skills and got to know other students over the weekly rehearsals very quickly. Studying Drama at Sidcot has helped me to realise what I've got – from feedback from my teachers I know what skills I need to improve on."
Mia hopes to one day persue a career as an actor performing in West End stage shows and has learnt that "you really do have to be in the right place at the right time."
Review
Audience member Toby Pratt (Lower Fifth) comments:
"The performance lasted 70 minutes and the age of the actors was between 12 and 22 years old. The performance included one of Sidcot's own students, Mia Hann, who represented the School and amazed the audience."
"The play was extremely well performed and thought provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed the play and was very impressed by the talent and skills the younger actors had to offer."
"When the play closed, everyone stayed to ask questions to the actors and their Director, Anna, about the play and how it was created and rehearsed."
Philippa Bell
Director of Drama